Socially Living: Season’s Greetings & Holiday Soiree’s
Developing Leader: Rayla Shorter
Mrs. RoShanda Johnson: Shaken but NOT Shattered
The City that Never Sleeps is the Mecca for Fashion Insomniacs: NYFW
Volume 1, Issue 5 | November/December 2011 | www,couturelivingmagazine.com
Discover the Content Features
12 Cover: RoShanda Johnson: Shaken not Shattered 16 Developing Leader: Rayla Shorter:
Cover Credits:
Photographer, Andrea Smith, Studio 57 Photography. Make up Artist, Andrea Smith Wardrobe Provided & Styled by Yours In Fashion Stylist, DaNisha Greene, Andrea Smith, Hair Designed by Joi McCreary
Special Thanks:
Fred Sly F.Sly Photography www.flsyphotography.com
Volume 1 Issue 5 November/December 2011
Founders’s Thoughts 4 Let’s Talk
Be Encouraged 9 Divne Living 10 Get Empowered 15 Young & Gifted
Lifestyle Design
19 The Beauty Bar 20 Fashion Fit 22 Scene in Fashion 24 Take Flight 24 AT Home 26 Palate Teaser 27 Mature Money 28 Health First, Self First 30 Socially Living
Founder and Editorial Director Joi McCreary joimccreary@couturelivingmagazine.com Finance Director Lisa Gilliard
Managing Copy Editor Janice Howard
Senior Executive Assistant TaMeca Joshua
lgilliard@couturelivingmagazine.com
jhoward@couturelivingmagazine.com
Youth Advancement Director
Spiritual Director Pastor Patsy Martin
Empowerment Initiative Director RoShanda Johnson
Travel & Entertainment Director
Health & Wellness Director Saundra Adcock
Tiffany Lockridge
tlockridge@couturelivingmagazine.com
Fashion Image Director Danisha Greene
dgreene@couturelivingmagazine.com
pmartin@couturelivingmagazine.com
Nichole Williamson nwilliamson@couturelivingmagazine.
Marketing & Media Department General Information info@couturelivingmagazine.com Advertising ads@couturelivingmagazine.com Press & Media media@couturelivingmagazine.com Submissions & Nominations submissions@couturelivingmagazine.com Contributor Information contribute@couturelivingmagazine.com
tjoshua@couturelivingmagazine.com
rjohnson@couturelivingmagazine.com
sadcock@couturelivingmagazine.com
Creative Production Department Photographer Andrea Smith Studio 57 Photography www.studio57photos.com Make up Artist Ms. Keondra Renee 317-427-3482 mskeondraatwater@gmail.com Wardrobe Stylist Danisha Greene Yours In Fashion www.yoursinfashion.com Hair Stylist Joi McCreary www.wix.com/joimccreary/hairjoi
Couture Living | P.O. Box 533302 | Indianapolis, Indiana 46254 | 1-866-266-5550 | publications@couturelivinginc.com | www.couturelivinginc.com Copyright 2010 Couture Living Incorporated. All rights reserved.
Let’s Talk Celebrate, Vision to Reality! Wow! It’s our final issue of the year! We have come a long way. You have watched us turn a vision into a reality!
As founder and publisher of Couture Living, I am proud of what we are building and the foundation we are striving to lay which are goals to help others with creative expression, personal development, and fulfilling their visions.
We have dealt with so many things this year and we came out triumphantly! We still have some work to do, but we are headed in the right direction. Looking back over the last year we have grown together, laughed together, may have cried together, but now its time to celebrate.
We strive not to be a trend, but to be a staple in our community! We want to be an example of how to go for what you want, know you deserve to have abundance, and value your self worth!
Time to give thanks for the many things we have come through and the things we have to look forward to.
As always I leave you with this…
Always Remember. .......... “Beauty has no boundaries, Self-Love has no limits and Fashion is forever! Be the Best of the best, the greatest of the greats, be confident and build a legacy of which you will be proud!”
Divinely Determined, Joi McCreary Founder & Editorial Director
Live your life couture with
Uniquely Customized Handcrafted Jewelry and Women’s Fashion
www.tailoredcharms.com
We are pleased to introduce to you Couture Giving Incorporated, a developing nonprofit organization that will be assisting the local Indianapolis, Indiana community. Our Mission: Dedicated to making a difference in the community by helping those in need. Striving to give people the opportunity to take back control of their lives by assisting those whom are affected by Multiple Sclerosis. Our Vision: To serve and assist families or individuals in need, who are directly affected by Multiple Sclerosis. Giving back to our community through an array of programs our organization provides. The programs are operable and possible through our sponsorships, fundraising, and donors. Our Values: To have the trust of our donors through honesty, integrity, and commitment to our mission and vision. Respecting each individual we serve and our donors with privacy and security. Pursuing excellence, through the power of empowerment.
BID for a Cause! Silent Auction Couture Giving has launched our first annual silent auction entitled “Bid for a Cause” where the proceeds from this event will support our medical, housing and educational scholarship programs and help us reach our financial goals. So what do we need from you? Spread The Word… Donate an item for our Silent Auction… Give From Your Heart … And Continue to Be One of a Kind By Design… What Items are we looking for to Auction? • Children and Family Donations • Personal Service Donations • Retail Donations • Home Décor and Service Donations • Vacation and Travel Donations • Creative and Artistic Donations How it works? We are holding an ongoing silent auction. We will make each item look exquisite and sell the item. Each item donated will be auctioned off to the highest bidder. All proceeds will go towards Couture Giving’s programs. Your donations are greatly appreciated and will definitely be a major attribute to our success with this fundraiser! For more information about our Silent Auction please contact us at couturegiivnginc@gmail.com or visit our website at www. couturegivinginc.webs.com
Pastor Patsy and Minister Odis Martin Invite you to come worship with the congregation of
1005 W. 27th St. Indianapolis, IN 46208 Service Time: 9 a.m. every Sunday. Word of Life is a non-denominational place of worship, “Where the healing presence of God’s love flows freely.” Through evangelism, people are brought to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Through discipleship, they are taught how to live according to God’s Word; which in turn results in spiritual growth, victorious living, and communit impact. Through prayer, they are taught to overcome the plots, snares and strategies of the enemy. Through God-centered activities, they are taught to have fun and enjoy being Christianity. The anointed Praise and Worship team saturates the atmosphere with the presence of God. No matter who you are or where you come from, we are confident you will enjoy the service. If you are searching for a place to worship, please join us at Word of Life this Sunday or visit the website at
www.wordoflifeindy.org.
Daily Receive New Mercy!
Divine Living
Author Pastor Patsy Martin, Spiritual Director
With each new day, we have an opportunity to celebrate our successes and change our failures. We have chances to live an abundant life or a miserable life. We can choose to live with thankfulness or selfpity. God grants us new mercies each and every day! He is the God of second, third, and fourth chances. How would our lives be if we had only one chance to get things right? There would not be an opportunity to learn from our errors. In other words, if we do not experience challenges in life, we will never experience victory. They are tied together. You can’t have one without the other. What is the one thing that it seems you can’t overcome? Instead of seeing it as a problem, I challenge you to see it as an opportunity. Take another look at your failures and be determined to not magnify the issue, but see Jesus in the midst of it all. He stands waiting to help. Find out what you are to learn from this. Ask God to show you. Is there something within that keeps you going around this mountain again? If you know the story of the children of Israel, you know they went around the same mountain for 40 years. For example, what is it within that causes you to keep choosing needy men? It causes you to go one more time around the mountain. No, next time, pick a man that can care for you, one who treats you like a queen. Turn your failure into success one day at a time. Ask God to help you.
Life apart from Jesus is not peaceful as He is the Prince of Peace. Jesus came that you might have life more abundantly. He wants you to experience life to the fullest. God gets no glory out of a defeated Christian. It’s time to be an overcomer. Celebrate each victory and look for situations to change. Many changes will happen overnight. I believe in excessive celebration. Blow the trumpet when you put your challenges under your feet. A radical praise confounds the enemy of your soul. It’s time to confuse the enemy. Do something you have never done before. Stop doing the same things and expecting different results. Be thankful and not pitiful. The joy of the Lord is your strength. Sometimes, my dear friend, you will have to remain in the game even when you are hurt. I am amazed at athletes that continue to play sports even when they are injured. They have what is called “heart”. Their eyes are fixed on receiving the prize. Venus Williams is an example of someone who experienced great pain for many years yet she played when she was in pain. The amazing thing is she won many tennis matches even through the pain. Life challenges did not stop her. Now that she knows what the source of her pain is, she is receiving treatment. Never give up! Remember if you never experience challenges, you will never experience victory. Celebrate and get rid of anything that tries to stunt your growth. God’s mercies are new everyday and if you are not experiencing victory now….there is always tomorrow.
Sometimes, we forget that each day is a second chance offered to us because of the great mercy of God. As He is a God of second chances, we can choose to live with thankfulness, for His mercy and Grace. We can also have confidence in His faithful care and with the hope that He is with us forever.
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Get Empowered Author: RoShanda Johnson
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The culmination of 2011 is almost here. This is the time when we look back and reflect on the goals we set for ourselves. Some of us may have accomplished everything on our list, while others may have tackled one. With everything that has happened, good or bad, we’ve all experienced change. Change is such a beautiful thing. Even though it has remarkable beauty, change is the one thing in life most people don’t like. Why is it that some people can so easily embrace change while others will do everything in their power to prevent it? It’s because everyone has a different outlook on it. There is no time to look back and wonder “what if”. The foundation has been laid, embrace the changes and use what you have learned this year as a tool to begin to build the next steps in your journey called life. If you do not grow and adapt, you will remain stuck, and nothing of value can be accomplished when you are stuck. You cannot control what happens to you, but you can control your attitude towards what happens to you, and in that, you will be mastering change rather than allowing it to master you. Remember, a man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore. So how do you learn to embrace the art of change? You develop another way of viewing situations in your life. Each event that happens to you has the ability to move you forward or backward. The way you choose to view a situation determines your experience. It seems counterproductive to me not to move forward. Now you’ve stepped into excellence, realized your attraction to distraction, and found that you are imperfectly beautiful. So there’s only one way to close this year out and that’s to welcome and embrace the changes.
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AD SPACE AVAILABLE ADVERTISE WITH
TODAY For more information about advertising or supporting Couture Living please submit an information request to ads@couturelivingmagazine.com or info@couturelivingmagazine.com
Mrs. RoShanda Johnson: Shaken but NOT Shattered Author: CLM Editorial Team
Roshanda Johnson is 33 years old
and married to the most awesome, caring, loving, and understanding husband in the universe, with three beautiful children ages 14, 10 and 9. I was born in Panama, but was raised in Brooklyn, New York. I grew up in the heart of the ghetto. My life was different growing up. As a teenager I had a lot of responsibilities, mainly trying to be there for my siblings because my mom was a GREAT mom. She worked two jobs to keep a roof over our heads. We had our difference of opinions, I mean what teenager doesn’t, but one thing I love my mom the most for… she never gave up on me! My mom above all is my number one mentor. Anastacia Simpson, if I don’t know how to do anything else I know how to pray and fast!! She is a remarkable woman of God and I’m proud that she’s MY mom. At a very young age I learned the meaning of the word “hustle.” You know you hear the stories of women being molested as young girls; I was far from exempt. Being molested killed all my self-respect and I began to hate men. I began abusing my body sexually, because in my mind I thought somehow by getting with these men it would help me gain back everything that was taken from me. It gave me power, so to speak, because I felt I controlled the situation. I wasn’t a girl that woke up in the morning feeling beautiful. I felt dirty, ugly, and disgusted with myself because I knew that day I would go out and search for love in the best way I knew how…SEX. I became a sex addict. I ended up getting married at the age of 21 and I knew I wasn’t ready, but I thought getting married would “fix me”. That was far from the truth.
I sat back one day and really talked to myself through journaling and realized if I wanted a future for my kids I would have to get out of New York City. It was hard trying to raise three kids on my own and be in a marriage that was destructive mentally and abusive emotionally. Compound that with living in one of the fastest and most overpopulated places in the world, always having to look over my shoulder, and always having to be on guard because of my past sins. It was a recipe for disaster. We lived on the top floor of a lopsided brownstone with three rooms and mice who felt they owned the place. I felt this supernatural being everyone called “God” didn’t love me and I wasn’t one of His children. This was the life I was dealt so somehow I had to deal with all the hurt, disappointment, and pain. I was so, so very angry. I would always ask why me? Through it all I was smiling and laughing on the outside, but dying internally. I made a promise to myself and my children I would fight to give them a better life. So, I left and moved to Noblesville, Indiana to stay with my sister on July 2, 2004. I am eternally grateful to her for opening her doors to my family. Living in Indiana has been a life changing experience. I knew there was this being everyone called “God”; I grew up in the church and come from a lineage of Apostles, Bishops, Pastors, Ministers, and Evangelists. It wasn’t until I came to Indiana that I really gained an intimate relationship with God and my life changed drastically. I got a divorce and married the man who taught me the true meaning of love.
My husband, Russell, loved me past the pain, disappointments, and my addiction. He taught me not to be afraid to love and trust and above all God loved me. I think one of the hardest things then for me to do was to forgive myself because of the mistakes I made. The thing I learned and love about God is that He is an awesome wonder and He forgave me a long time ago. Even when I felt alone and like nobody understood me…He was right there. It was time for me to let go and
,
LIVE not just EXIST.
Now, I’m proud to say I have a great support system. I attend a fantastic church called Fervent Prayer where I’m the Director over the praise dance ministry. Pastor James Jackson of Fervent Prayer Church is my mentor. He encourages me to see my vision through and always has a word that will aid in my future, even if it’s not what I want to hear at the time. He pushes me to take my ministry to the next level. He always looks at me and asks me, “Are you the one?” He is definitely my spiritual father and I love, honor, and respect him so much. Also, Apostle Suzzette Archbold, Pastor Dina Hubert, and Pastor Tamah Crouthers are women who have been a huge part of who I am today at different stages of my life. Their love for God and to win souls for the kingdom is astounding to me. They loved and believed in me even when I didn’t love and believe in myself and have prayed and fasted me through some difficult times in my life! For that I’m eternally grateful!
Photography: Andrea Smith, Studio 57 Photography. Styling/Wardrobe : DaNisha Greene, Yours In Fashion, Berny Martin, Catou Couture. MUA: Andrea Smith. Hair:stylist: Joi McCreary
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I graduated on June 11, 2011 from the Art Institute of Indianapolis, with a Bachelors of Science in Fashion Design. While at the Art Institute I was blessed to study abroad for three months in Milan, Italy and was able to travel to Paris, Switzerland, Tuscany, Venice, Pisa, and Rome. I am motivated by my love for God and His people, especially the youth, and my family. We have successfully launched my liturgical dance line, Worship Couture, are working on a couple of other business ventures, and my husband and I want to open a “Safe House” for teens and young adults struggling to find their way, but have no one to help or guide them.I want my name and my life to count when I leave this earth. I want to leave a legacy of a woman of God who had honor, loyalty, truth, class, style, and fabulous clothes! So just remember, even when you don’t see it, and everything around you is crumbling Jeremiah
29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Photography/Styling/MUA: Andrea Smith, Studio 57 Photography. Hair: Joi McCreary
Young & Gifted Author: Tiffany Jones- Lockridge
ing !!! t a ts br n e e l Ce vem e i Ach
This year has been filled with many topics, guides, and direction. It’s not too late to begin your new path and set goals for your life. Always remember there are others less fortunate and you are in control of your future. As you recall, Porscheia Samuels was the 21 year old who was diagnosed with seizures at the age of 13. Through the numerous brain surgeries and many prescribed medications she is required to take daily, she is now enrolled in Georgia University. She plans to become a fashion designer and have her own fashion line. Porscheia is refusing to be anything less than what God has created her to be by seeking her dreams and motivating and encouraging other young adults. Remember, in order to improve one’s life we must remove negativity from our lives. Learning to love and let go is also important. Self- love is one of the most important things one should seek in order to be productive and successful in life. Who are you? What is good for you? What do you deserve? All of these answers should be God’s best! We remove self-hatred, lack of forgiveness, low self-esteem, envy, and discouragement. We will replace it all with self-love, motivation, success, and divine purpose. Yes, you can have all of these if you take one day at a time. Set your mind to refuse to lose and watch your life soar. Your goals are all up to you and always remember nothing is impossible through Christ!
Be Blessed!
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Rayla Shorter Developing Leader-Lauren Ford
Developing Leader
Author: CLM Editorial Team
Rayla M. Shorter is an Indianapolis, Indiana, Pike High School Student who is academically excelling in honors classes and has an outstanding ongoing proven academic record! With a Presidential Recognition Letter from President George W. Bush, being a Scrabble Champion, a G.P.A. of 3.8, and Honor Classes, 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th Grade, Rayla is the daughter of proud parents William and Raynette Shorter and sibling to Rosalind and Jocelyn. Speaking with her mother, we learned Rayla accepted Christ as her Savior at an early age. “What I find most intriguing about Rayla is her courage to stand for what she believes. Rayla has acute listening skills and applies change if needed which is a key of growth and development. Rayla has not fully designed her profession, but as a parent, we are certain her outcome will be a success.” Rayla has been a member of numerous academic clubs such as the National Honors Society, her Middle School Academic Team “Geeks from the Creek”, Elementary School News Team, Girls to Women Social Club, and Morning Buddies Tutoring Program. Not only is Rayla academically inclined, but she also participates in athletics and creative arts. With all Rayla does, she finds time in her life to be a part of the community and give back. Rayla is a member of Eastern Star Church and the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority – Emerging Pearls during the 7th & 8th Grade and the Rosebuds 9th Grade. Through the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Rayla has received an Emerging Pearl Scholarship and “Honor Her” Award. Rayla also participated in seeding and planting community gardens, food Pantry restocking, Holy Angels Health Fair, and Breakfast with Santa at the Julian Center. Rayla is a very inspiring young lady who has a great life ahead of her and will be an example to many others. Even with all the things she does in life she still has the sweet spirit of a child. She is a very respectful, mannerly, young lady, who still loves to do the things teens enjoy. Her hobbies include reading, sketching, baking, and crocheting. To relax, she listens to music. Her mentor is her mom! She plans to finish high school with honors then select and attend a reputable college. Rayla is motivated by her competitive spirit to always strive to do better. Her favorite quote is, “When Life Gives You Sour Lemons, Make Sweet Lemonade.”
Photography: Andrea Smith, Studio 57 Photography. Styling/Hair: Joi McCreary
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Don’t feel like shopping? Would you like to reinvent your look? Do you have a closet full of clothes but nothing to wear? Yours In Fashion Consultant DaNisha Greene Wardrobe Stylist and Fashion Consultant will teach you to re-shop your closet. Fashion Shows, Photo Shoots, Fashion Editorials, Music Videos, Production & More.
Yours In Fashion Consultant DaNisha Greene is ready to style for you. Email: danishagreene@yoursinfashion.comor go to www.YoursInFashion.comto view & book.
The Beauty Bar Author: Brittany Stewart
Beauty can be defined a million ways… the best beauty of all is the Beauty of Self Love. “The Greatest Love of All”, a song originally recorded by George Benson, but made popular by Whitney Houston states: I decided long ago, never to walk in anyone’s shadow If I fail, if I succeed At least I live as I believe No matter what they take from me They can’t take away my dignity Because the greatest love of all Is happening to me I found the greatest love of all Inside of me The greatest love of all Is easy to achieve Learning to love yourself It is the greatest love of all In loving yourself you exude a glow, a confidence that can be recognized miles away. Your smile becomes contagious and people around are only able to see your true beauty. Hair and make-up are extras to a beautiful woman. By honoring and loving herself internally she receives that title.
Take a moment daily to build your self love. Look in the mirror and gaze deep into your eyes. Ignore the negative and critical thoughts which arise. Stay focused on the you that is reflected. You will see the beauty within and dwell on that. Say out loud I AM BEAUTIFUL. But… It can’t stop there you have to love yourself so much you want to keep yourself up. That means making appointments at the salon to keep your hair healthy and beautiful. There is absolutely nothing wrong with pampering yourself. Never feel guilty for wanting to do things for yourself.
I was a victim of this and it affected me emotionally. I love myself so much, but there were times when the love I had for myself wasn’t showing on the outside. The moment my hair was right, so was I. I was unstoppable. My outer appearance displayed how I felt on the inside. I also am a woman who believes in keeping up on my skin regimens. By drinking lots of water my skin stays hydrated and well moisturized. I take care of me emotionally and am working on my physical health. As women we are so busy.
We are mothers, wives, employers, employees, etc. So much is demanded from us and we must take care of ourselves. Taking time out for us to do the things that make us feel good is vital. Sometimes it may be a walk on our lunch break or a weekly salon visit. Whatever it is, we must do this to keep us from slipping away from our self love and the things that make us happy. Self love comes in many different forms and we as women need to practice them daily. This is detrimental to the stability of women. Without a great foundation of self we will fall apart. We are the backbone in relationships and the strength in families, so we have to stay full of love; God’s love and Self-Love. C’mon beautiful women say it with me LOUD ..I AM BEAUTIFUL
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Fashion Fit
Author: Yours In Fashion DaNisha Greene
T h e City that Never Sleeps is the Mecca for Fashion Insomniacs: NYFW
Being from New York one would presume I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to attend a show during New York Fashion Week. Prior to this year; however, that was an unfortunate untruth. I will take you on the journey to my first NYFW which wasn’t in the front row next to Anna Wintour or a famous celebrity. No, it was “behind the scenes” or “behind the seams” I should say being I was asked by Indianapolis’ renowned designer, Nikki Blaine, to style for her first show during NYFW as well. I was so excited she asked me to style for her. We’ve talked on several occasions, have even been in shows together, and she was on the IBE Fashion Show committee with me, but I’ve never styled for her. I’d been dying to work for her, but never would I have imagined she would ask me to style for her during NYFW, the pinnacle of western fashion. Once we talked about her vision and she showed me the fabric for the collection she would be using, I became even more excited. I started thinking of shoes and accessories that would complement the collection. She then sent me emails with the look sheets for makeup and I suggested some hair options. Once our flights were confirmed a friend of mine, model Valenese Brewington who will be modeling for Nikki Blaine, started to book other shows during fashion week. I decided to see if I could make the same opportunities happen, so I connected with a few fashion friends I met the last time I was home in New York. After that, more jobs started coming in and before I knew it, I was going to be styling for five or six shows while there.
Once I arrived in New York, I had the responsibility of going to the casting call and selecting models for the show on Friday. I was nervous, but Nikki had confidence in my selections. I’ve never had the responsibility of casting models for a designer’s show during the height of fashion in the US. All the models seemed just like I expected: tall, thin, and simple. They looked like models, no accessories, nothing too fancy on, and mostly in black, denim, and white. The walks were pretty good and faces were intense. All I could think about were the times I’ve told models in Indy, “I want stream line walks ladies, just like in New York”. After the casting, producers introduced me to the models. I told them what I was looking for and as usual I said, “I want a stream line walk, fierce face, hold your pose at the end of the runway, and NO hands on the hips”. I took pictures of the models I selected and got their contact information to schedule a fitting once Nikki arrived. I was so busy moving around and preparing, I never really stopped to take in the fact all the hard work and time I put into this industry was starting to pay off. Once Nikki arrived, we hit the ground running with fittings, sewing, styling, talking, and preparing for the show to occur over the next two days. No sleep was an understatement when you think of the long hours and power napping in shifts we did. I was happy she was in town and staying in the Chelsea area which she said reminded her of London. The night before the show, all around the Big Apple, retailers, shops, and fashion lovers were preparing for Fashion Night Out, the kick off to New York fashion week. It seemed all over the country it was Fashion Night Out. It was funny to see so many of my Facebook fashionistas getting prepared to go out in their respective cities. Nikki, Val, and I were ready to go out too. I had already been past Macy’s on 34th street and saw them preparing for the concert and evening serving passersby cocktails. My niece, who is signed with an agency in New York, was modeling at Lord & Taylor’s and I was very excited to go. Unfortunately, this Nikki Blaine Couture team would spend Fashion Night in Nikki’s hotel room. While we were busy preparing for the show, Nikki received a call from a friend telling her about a big show Saturday afternoon at the renowned Pennsylvania Hotel on 34th and asked if she wanted to show there as well. Nikki got in touch with that show’s producer and before you could blink your tired eyelids Nikki Blaine Couture Photos courtesy of Fred Sly, F.Sly Photography www.fslyphotography.com
Show time was finally here and we had to repress and pack up everything to go to the Metropolitan Pavilion for the show. After checking in and seeing the polished hard wood floors, white lounge furniture, white shear drapes, white wooden folding chairs, and all white stage I was overwhelmed with excitement, and once we walked backstage it was the real deal. It was extremely main stream and I definitely wasn’t in Kansas anymore. There were so many hair stylists, makeup artists, dressers, and models. You name it and they were there. They actually had assistants to lotion the models. Sometimes you can’t get ten hair and makeup artists to do a show voluntarily, but there were 50, maybe even 60 or 70 hair stylists and makeup artists. It was crazy, amazing, funny, exciting, and unnerving all at once. Nikki was really open to my opinion as a stylist and let me have creative control when it came to styling the looks. There were a lot of media and photographers everywhere taking pictures and doing interviews. I was just trying to stay focused. The show was amazing and I heard it was standing room only. After Nikki finished with interviews and we all networked, it was time to pack up the clothes, shoes, and accessories, and head to the Penn Hotel. Since Nikki was showing there the next day, she decided to just check in. That show too was flooded with models. I don’t want to say 100, but I’m pretty sure there was well over 70, and with one thousand plus attendees and sixteen designers showing you would think the show would last long. I think it actually went faster than the show before because there was no stopping. I’m pretty sure it was no longer than hour. After cleaning up we decided to grab something to eat and stay up until it was time for Nikki to catch her plane. Once we said good bye to Nikki it was time to rest for the day. I slept all day on Sunday and then Monday I had two more shows. One show was at Landmark on the Park in Central Park West and the other with designer Althea Harper at a swanky place in Columbus Circle. The first show was great. I met Kenya from America’s Next Top Model and helped style her. She was really nice. I also saw many reality television stars from Basketball Wives to Derrick Jay. The day before the show I had lunch with a stylist and saw Jenn from Basketball Wives strolling down the street. The other show had Bianca from America’s Next Top Model hosting. I thought it was quite entertaining to see so many “celebrities” within 48 hours. It was fun. All the shows, shoots, and productions had truly prepared me to hang with the big leaguers as some would say. Those would be people I didn’t know in the fashion industry and they loved me to say the least. It was not only satisfying, but comforting to know I was respected amongst my peers.
Fashion Fit
Right after the show was over I left and headed to the subway to go to Althea’s show. When I got there she told me she wasn’t ready for dressers/stylists yet, but I told her no need to worry because I do it all. She gave me assignments and I started working. I got a chance to meet some really interesting people that night and earlier that day. I’m happy to say I survived my first New York Fashion Week and as crazy, tiring, and hard as it was, I want more. The next day was strictly “R and R”. Not rest and relaxation; rest and retail because I went shopping. The night before I left was filled with more shopping and I was able to attend a show by Angels N Diva’s at the chic Green House. I was actually happy I wasn’t styling as I just want to enjoy fashion sometimes. I was able to meet celebrity stylist Misa Hylton-Brim at the show and she was really kind. Feeling like Carrie Bradshaw as I left the show in my teal 50’s/80’s inspired knee length dress with a black belt and shoulder pads I knew I was exactly where I wanted to be. Feeling like a fashion insomniac in the city that never sleeps, it was a great way to be and if closing my eyes would make this dream end then I didn’t want to take that risk.
Scene In Fashion
On the Scene: Yours In Fashion, DaNisha Greene
House of YUM!
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Scene In Fashion
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Take Flight
Author: CLM Editorial Team
It’s the holiday season and everyone is traveling everywhere to see everyone! So, we are going to change it up! We’re going to have a
Stay...cation
The ultimate non-getaway, getaway! The “stay…cation” is perfect! NO Flights to book. NO cars to rent. NO passports to apply for, it’s simple. Find your favorite hotel with all your required amenities. Make sure it is away from the inner city so you do not have any unwanted spotting. Tell all your friends/family you will be on vacation and possibly unreachable. Only tell the girlfriend or family member you know won’t disturb you where your whereabouts will be. Plan a personal itinerary of all the things you want to do and accomplish them in the time frame you want. NO rush, NO worry, NO cares! The “stay…cation” is ideal for the hardworking mom, businesswoman, or someone who wants to get away from all the chaos of the daily life, but doesn’t want to go overboard on budget or doesn’t have the time to take a long extended vacation across the country, or simply just needs some personal time to
Author: CLM Editorial Team
At Home
Let’s help get your space ready for those extended stay guests! First, you need to know exactly how many guests will be arriving and when. You want to make sure everyone has room and is comfy. Overcrowding can cause stress and tension. No one wants that for the holidays. Keep it cheerful! Second, you should plan and budget for your meals. Being a host can be costly so you need to plan accordingly and stick to it! Make sure to know of any food allergies anyone may have. Who wants to spend the holidays in the ER? Finally, make a great list of all the fun things you as well as your family and friends can do while you are together! Make memories that always make coming home special! So, get ready for those holidays!
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Journey your Senses
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Palate Teasers Carrot Me Crazy Carrot Cake • 1 Tbsp Unsalted butter, for the pan • 2 1/2 cups, all-purpose flour, plus extra for pan • 6 carrots grated, medium grate • 1 teaspoon baking powder • 1 teaspoon baking soda • 1/4 teaspoon ground Jamaican allspice • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1 1/3 cups sugar • 1/4 cup dark brown sugar firmly packed • 3 large eggs • 6 ounces plain yogurt • 6 ounces vegetable oil Maple Butter Cream Frosting, recipe follows Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter and flour a 9-inch round and 3-inch deep cake pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper. Set aside. Put the carrots into a large mixing bowl and set aside. Put the flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt in the bowl of a food processor and process for 5 seconds. Add this mixture to the carrots and toss until they are well-coated with the flour. In the bowl of the food processor combine the sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and yogurt. With the processor still running, drizzle in the vegetable oil. Pour this mixture into the carrot mixture and stir until just combined. Pour into the prepared cake pan and bake on the middle rack of the oven for 45 minutes. Reduce the heat to 325 degrees F and bake for another 20 minutes or until the cake reaches 205 to 210 degrees F in the center. Remove the pan from the oven and allow cake to cool 15 minutes in the pan. After 15 minutes, turn the cake out onto a rack and allow cake to cool completely. Frost with cream cheese frosting after cake has cooled completely. Maple Butter Cream Ingredients: • 1 cup butter, softened • 2 3/4 cups powdered sugar • 2 tablespoons brown sugar • 2 tablespoons maple syrup PREPARATION: Place softened butter in a large bowl. Beat with electric mixer for 30-40 seconds until whipped. Scrape sides of bowl. Sift the powdered sugar into the bowl. Beat with mixer for 30-40 seconds. Scrape down sides of bowl and add the brown sugar and maple syrup. Beat for 2-3 minutes or until mixture is fluffy scraping sides of bowl as needed.
Imagine your recipe or culinary business featured here! Submit your recipe, your contact information, nutritional information, picture of you and dish and it may be selected to be featured in our Palate Teasers! Send to contribute@couturelivingmagazine.com
Mature Money
Author Lisa Gilliard, M.B.A., M.A.
The “American Dream” Home ownership has been coined the “American dream” and cause for celebration for several decades. Many women envision their lives with a husband, children, and house. For some, the process of owning a home has been unobtainable and a long-term challenge. Such doubt can be overcome with strategic planning and action. With a housing market slowly on the verge of recovery and interest rates at historic lows, it is the perfect time to purchase a home. Preparation is key to successful homeownership; however, as you begin your process be sure to avoid some common mistakes:
Check your credit. Every consumer is entitled to a free credit report annually. Please take the time to obtain a copy of your credit report from each of the three credit bureaus (Trans Union, Experian, and Equifax) to see if there are inaccuracies or discrepancies reported. Also, if a debt has been satisfied you want to make sure those changes have been corrected and updated on your report. Remember that mortgage lenders look vigorously at your credit scores. Since your score is based on the information in your credit report make sure that each item is correct.
Understanding Loans. Lending options change frequently. Talk with a mortgage broker to find out what types of loans are available in your area. The most common loans are Conventional, FHA, USDA, and VA. Make sure to ask the lender if the loan you are obtaining will have a fixed or variable rate, what the term of the loan will be (15, 30, or 40 year mortgage), and if there are prepayment penalties associated with paying your loan off early.
Know Your Limits. Lenders give consumers pre-approval letters based on financial debts. If you happen to receive an approval that allows you to purchase a larger home make sure you understand what expenses follow. Many people opt for a larger home because they are approved, but can they really afford it? Remember, purchasing a larger home will include larger costs including: utilities, taxes, and repairs. Be cautious. Consider all of your household and financial needs before taking on additional debt.
Overall, homeownership can be a wonderful experience. By avoiding common financial mistakes you will be able to celebrate!
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Health First, Self First This has been a fantastic year. January
was the first month of our year about self. To start a new year everyone thinks about exercise, dieting, and finding ways to change themselves both outside and inside. Taking a walk is a way of getting started without costing a penny. Eating more fruits and vegetables are definitely part of the healthy new you to give your body more fiber and easily digestible nutrients. February was a month to begin loving yourself. Read a book that has been on your list of things to do, take a bubble bath, and use a new perfume that helps you relax. March is when we begin thinking about the activities that can be done outside. Take a short walk after dinner, talk to your neighbors, visit the nursery, and choose some flowers or plants to surround your home, it’s motivating and free. April is when the flowers all begin to push their heads out of the ground. The temperature is slowly beginning to rise as more people start to come outdoors. May is when outdoor weddings begin. You want to look your best because you never know who you might meet. June, July, and August are vacation months for most people. It is the time of year when traveling to places for rest and relaxation is at a premium. September is the beginning of the school year for some whether it is your children, someone you know, or yourself. As we near the end of this year, don’t fret because 2011 is coming to an end. Celebrate the fact you are here and a lot healthier than last year. Drink more water, eat your favorite fruits, and find new ways to serve colorful vegetables. These are gifts I believe you deserve. Love yourself as much as I do. I know you’re worth it.
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Author: Saundra Adcock, LPN
Socially Living Tis the season to be thankful, jolly, and full of cheer! This is our last issue until next year! We thought we’d help you have a bit of holiday fun and give you helpful hints, tips, and tricks to host parties and make your holiday event the most memorable one ever! Send out your CREATIVE MUST ATTEND invites to get your guests excited!
Dazzle your place with dynamite décor! Use colors like silver, gold, and cranberry, these are customary holiday colors. Amber lights or small scented votives will provide great lighting for an intimate setting.
Dress code fully enforced! Look the part! Being the host or hostess, you must state and show off the fabulous dress code! Whether it’s simply fierce and fabulous or holiday festive you must do your part in setting the tone!
Glam up your Gourmet Grubb! Charm them with your glassware with the fun wine stem charm tags or festive rib-
bons. Have their taste buds tingling as soon as they hit the door with an appetizing spread. Make sure to have a food station with something visually dramatic like a parfait or something else with layers!Create customized cocktails and mock tails (non-alcoholic) drinks that go with the theme of your party! It makes the night fun! Think of things like “Fall-tini” or “Harvest Treat”.
Make the memories! Having a social gathering or holiday party means socializing, mingling, and light music. There must be a great atmosphere. Once everyone has gotten acquainted it may be fitting to do something in a group like a holiday game or perhaps a gift exchange, something to keep the holiday spirit! Once the fun is done you can’t say your goodbyes without a toast to the most! Be sure to toast your guests for coming, tell them of all the fun you had, let them what all you appreciate them for, and much more! Guests always love a great compliment!
Fabulous Favors! We laughed, we loved, we had lots of fun, and now don’t forget to gift everyone! Favors can be simple, but must be creative and fun! Think of things people will actually utilize once they get home. Don’t leave a sour taste in their mouths about the favor after such a great party! You’ve made your memories, your parties gone! Now it’s clean up time! Oh….Don‘t forget to designate your post party clean up crew before your Soiree! Happy Holidays!
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Want us to list your event! Please contact Nicci Williamson our Travel and Entertainment Director at nwilliamson@couturelivingmagazines.com for more information.
Socially Living Metropolitian Picks
Ocho Rios, Jamaica 2. Tuscany, Italy 3. East Hampton, New York 4. Oahu, Hawaii 5. Boston, Massachusetts 6. ST. Petersburg, Florida 7. Napa Valley, Florida 8. Steamboat Springs, Colorado 9. Granada, Spain 10. St. Croix, US Virgin Islands Some of these places are good for shopping, others are good for the historical content, and some are just because they are beautiful and simply FAB!!! 1.
We have our selected favorites but we want to know yours! No matter what city, country, or state ... we want you to share the enjoyment and help us spread the word about Send us your input on the lounges, clubs, restaurants, historical places you enjoy or frequent! Email us your review today! It may end up on our top 10!
Looking Forward Well this is it! Final good-byes for 2011! We won’t see you all again until 2012! Wow, time sure flies! We are excited to bring in the New Year with a BANG! Be sure to join us as we launch Volume 2! We look forward to sharing the second year of our issue with you and have lots of fun things in store! Thank you so much for the opportunity to serve you in this manner and all of the support you have given us. We appreciate each and every one of you and strive to make Volume 2 even better!
What’s Coming...
.Going Green! Opening Subscriptions! You Get More! We are going bimonthly! 6 Issues! We’re going Digital, Thinking Global! We’re developing a Couture Living app for your iPhone, Android, or Smartphone. We’re Finding the MEN! Coming...Couture Living Couturier Til’ next time….. Live your life couture! “Be One of a Kind, By Design!”
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